A children's hospice has seen a surge in its profile since the Duchess of Cambridge became its Royal patron a year ago.

The Treehouse in Ipswich is run by East Anglia's Children's Hospices, or EACH - one of four charities chosen by Kate to receive special support.

According to chief executive Graham Butland, the impact has been huge.

"It's been tremendous, not only for EACH but also for palliative care nationally and internationally. Her support has brought a whole new perspective to what we do."

Kate's role has also helped the charity financially.

"It's difficult to know why people will give money," said Mr Butland. "All I can say is our fundraising has held up very well at a time when most charities are seeing a dip in their income."

The Duchess at Centrepoint, the homeless charity her husband is patron of

Nick Davis's 13-year-old son William loves his time at the Treehouse. He has a rare genetic condition and severe learning difficulties.

For his parents, the centre provides the chance for a much needed break.They had the opportunity to meet the Duchess during her visit last March.

"She was just such a lovely, genuine, down to earth person," said Nick.

"She came in and she got down with the kids and played with them and she spent far more time here than she was meant to.

"It gave the whole place a real lift and the whole town a real buzz."

Kate with children on the Expanding Horizons outdoor challenges scheme

The Duchess of Cambridge carefully chose which four charities she intended to support. She is also patron of Action on Addiction, another children's charity called The Art Room and the National Portrait Gallery.

Rob Cope - director of Remember a Charity, an organisation helping people leave money to a good cause in their will - believes the power of Royal backing should not be underestimated.

"Kate's got that credibility. She's very newsworthy, so people recognise her. They trust her. They like her.

"She's got that real warmth about her in the way that Diana had and she is also able to champion of some of those unpopular causes like we saw with Diana, putting things like Aids and landmines on the map."